The World of Tim Burton

Today, London’s Design Museum opens The World of Tim Burton, a major retrospective spanning the director’s 50-year career, showcasing his iconic characters, set designs, costumes, and a broad array of artworks. Running until April 21st, 2025, this exhibition highlights Burton’s unique aesthetic, celebrated in his films and visual arts. With over 600 pieces on display, including drawings, paintings, and set pieces, visitors gain insight into his creative journey from childhood to his celebrated film work.

Presented for the first time in the UK, the show includes personal archives alongside famous pieces such as Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman costume from Batman Returns and Christina Ricci’s costume from Sleepy Hollow. The exhibition’s layout allows visitors to walk through recreations of his cinematic landscapes, bringing to life the director’s distinctive visual world. A special soundscape by designer Tomi Rose enhances this immersive experience, mirroring the eerie yet whimsical nature of Burton’s films.

Visitors are taken through different sections, such as Crafting Imagination, which delves into Burton’s stop-motion animation process, and Building Worlds, where sketches and models from 13 of his key films, including Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice, are featured. The World of Tim Burton also presents his influence on other artists, with displays that trace his impact on designers and photographers like Tim Walker.

In the Beyond Film section, the exhibition reveals lesser-known aspects of Burton’s career, including his books and music video projects, illustrating his multi-disciplinary talent. This London presentation, the last stop in a decade-long world tour, offers a fitting conclusion to a showcase that has traveled to 14 cities and 11 countries since 2014.